Riewoldt threatens thin Blues line (Age)

[one-eyed]

Riewoldt threatens thin Blues line
Michael Gleeson
The Age
March 8, 2011

JACK Riewoldt will come in to Richmond's side for his first proper practice game of the pre-season this week aware that Michael Jamison, Carlton's first-choice opponent for him in round one, could be missing through suspension.

Jamison was yesterday charged with rough conduct for a hit on Adelaide's Ricky Henderson in last week's practice match. With an early plea he would be banned for two weeks. If he challenges the finding and loses at the tribunal he will be sidelined for three weeks.

The match review panel's finding means that with a plea, Jamison would miss the opening round against the Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns' inaugural game in round two. He would be back for the clash with Collingwood in the third round.

His absence in round one would leave Carlton exposed for someone to take Riewoldt, with the Blues thin on tall defensive options.

Paul Bower would be the most likely choice, but he has had interruptions with injury through the pre-season and is normally preferred as a more creative defender.

Bret Thornton was out of favour last year finishing the season in the VFL; off-season recruit and former Geelong defender Jeremy Laidler is six centimetres shorter than Riewoldt and is not a typical key-position player.

The other non-preferred option would be to swing Jarrad Waite behind the ball but that would deny the Blues their best key forward.

Complicating this is the fact forward Lachie Henderson played just his first practice match of the pre-season last week - a half in the VFL - after returning from hip surgery and will be struggling for fitness for round one.

Carlton's rugged midfielder David Ellard was also charged with rough conduct by the match review panel and has been offered a one-game suspension with an early plea, or two matches if he appeals and loses.

Riewoldt and Tigers captain Chris Newman will play their first practice matches of the year on Friday against Adelaide at Visy Park.

Brett Deledio played just a half in last week's practice match but is expected to play the full game this week.

Midfielder Nathan Foley, coming off long-term injury last year, has steadily built up match fitness over recent practice games and is expected to play the whole game this week. The Tigers remain uncertain whether defender Kelvin Moore will play.

Impressive teenagers Reece Conca and Jake Batchelor, the Tigers first two picks in last year's draft, are likely to be rested this week and play in round one.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/riewoldt-threatens-thin-blues-line-20110307-1bl6q.html

[gerkin greg]

Impressive teenagers Reece Conca and Jake Batchelor, the Tigers first two picks in last year's draft, are likely to be rested this week and play in round one.

JB has been going about it nicely without a lot being said about him. Just looks comfortable at the level. I've been impressed with his on-field maturity, like Astbury last year. Solid pickup.

[Stripes]

Impressive teenagers Reece Conca and Jake Batchelor, the Tigers first two picks in last year's draft, are likely to be rested this week and play in round one.

JB has been going about it nicely without a lot being said about him. Just looks comfortable at the level. I've been impressed with his on-field maturity, like Astbury last year. Solid pickup.

I agree with you GG. IMHO Jake has been even more impressive than Conca to this point. Seems to 'play tall' as well and is tremendous setting up off half back like his captain. I haven't see him running out of defense yet but his footskills, decision making and poise under pressure so far has been extremely promising.